Squak Mountain State Park is a 1,545-acre, day-use park just outside of Issaquah and a short 15-minute drive from Seattle. The forested park features miles of trails in wilderness solitude for both equestrians and hikers alike. This forested park, a wilderness with glimpses of Issaquah below, has miles of winding trails alongside bubbling creeks and narrow ravines. There are several trail loop options on this 2,024-foot-high mountain. With multi-use trails and a natural area, equestrians and hikers alike have plenty to explore.

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk The park is open year round for day use.

Squak Mountain State Park was created in 1972 when the Bullitt family donated 590 acres near the top of the mountain to the state. The donation included a stipulation that the land must remain in its natural state. Several other parcels of land were acquired over the years. Traces of early land users are readily found throughout the park, from remnants of old coal mining rail trails to overgrown logging roads. Massive old-growth stumps dot the forest alongside the trails. And the Bullitt fireplace, a popular park destination, is all that remains at the site of the Bullitt's summer home.

The name Squak comes from an early Anglicization of the Native American word "Asquowk," and was also given to the nearby valley, creek and town.

The park offers six unsheltered picnic tables at the trailhead and one at the Bullitt fireplace site. All are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a vault toilet the the trailhead and a horse-loading ramp that is accessible to people with disabilities. There is no water available at Squak Mountain.

Nature Programs

The park features a self-guided interpretive walk along the .3-mile Pretzel Tree Trail adjacent to the main trailhead. The trail illustrates the adventures of Field Mouse as he meets local forest creatures and discovers their importance in the ecosystem on his search for the Pretzel Tree.

Bainbridge Bluegrass Festival is a family-focused music event organized by volunteers. The festival brings diverse music to the community, raising funds for local charities, this year PAWs of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap.

The park is located just south of Issaquah. From I-90, take exit 17. Head south on Front Street, which turns into Issaquah-Hobart Road. Drive 4.5 miles, then turn right on S.E. May Valley Road. Drive 1.5 miles, and turn right into the park.